Premier League champions Arsenal were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by fourth-tier Fleetwood Town, who won 5-3 on penalties at Highbury Stadium on Tuesday after a dramatic 1-1 draw. The fourth-round tie had everything: a drone delay, a shock opener, and a late red card for teenage star Max Dowman.
Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal (Credits: ESPN)
The night began in bizarre fashion. Play was stopped after just one minute and 40 seconds when referee Michael Salisbury spotted an unauthorised drone hovering over the pitch, forcing an eight-minute delay while police investigated. Seven minutes were added to the first half to make up for the lost time.
Loupalo-Bi Stuns Arsenal as Fleetwood Take the Lead
Fleetwood, nicknamed the Cod Army, grew into the game and stunned the visitors in the 21st minute. Aaron Loupalo-Bi muscled past 17-year-old defender Marli Salmon and poked a low finish past debutant goalkeeper Illan Meslier to send Highbury wild. Fleetwood, sitting 18th in League Two, had never previously reached this far in the competition.
Arsenal dominated possession after the shock but struggled to break down a resolute home defence. Manager Mikel Arteta turned to his bench at half-time, sending on Martin Odegaard, and the equaliser arrived five minutes into the second half when Viktor Gyokeres bundled home his first goal of the season from Ceadach O’Neill’s delivery.
Dowman Red Card and Fleetwood’s Shootout Triumph
The drama was far from over. In the 85th minute, Dowman was sent off for kicking out at Harrison Neal after a strong challenge, sparking a confrontation between both teams. Arteta was visibly furious with the teenager as he trudged off.
Both sides scored their first three penalties in the shootout, but Bruno Guimaraes saw his effort saved by Fleetwood goalkeeper Lynch, and Conor Haughey held his nerve with the winning spot-kick to seal what many are calling the biggest shock in League Cup history. Fleetwood’s players and fans flooded the pitch in celebration of a night they will never forget.
Also Read: Fleetwood vs Arsenal Halted for 8 Minutes After Drone Flies Over Highbury in Carabao Cup and Harry Kane’s Rise From Childhood Goalkeeper to Ballon d’Or Winner
Source: ESPN — read the full story there.
